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A tempestuous princess + an arrogant prince = a recipe for royal disaster.
Description: Heidel never wanted to be a cookie-cutter princess. She isn’t graceful. She isn’t sweet. She isn’t even skinny! Heidel would much rather cook than curtsy; is more interested in eating than etiquette.
The Nine Princesses are preparing for the annual festival known as Fenwick’s Feast. Heidel plans to enter the King’s Cake Contest given by the famous-but-crazy king of Bauble. But also entering the contest is arrogant Prince Eravis who sneers at Heidel’s cooking skills, insults her rounded figure, and mocks her ambition to cure the world of Red Fever.
Caught up in her culinary conquest, Heidel barely notices that another enemy simmers on the back burner, one much more deadly than a sarcastic prince. An enemy who may hold the secret to the princesses’ long lost servants....
The Nine Princesses novels is a series that chronicles the adventures of an unconventional family of princesses, the struggles they face in a kingdom often hostile to their humble origins, and the day-to-day dramas of nine young women whose personalities often clash like swords. Fans of Gail Carson Levine and Shannon Hale would enjoy these princess novels.
Book Details Length: 249 pages Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Mood: Funny/Romantic Content: Moderate Violence. Moderate Romance. No sex. Audience: Anyone who enjoys fairy tale retellings or a nice princess book ˃˃˃ Read an Excerpt“PRINCE Eravis,” he said, lifting one eyebrow to a haughty angle. “Let’s not forget our manners, my thorny little rosebud.”
“Let’s also not forget that I roasted twenty peacocks today.” Heidel’s eyes roved disdainfully over Eravis’ attire. He favored dark colors, deep reds and blues and greens, always set off by a jeweled belt or heavy gold neck chain. “Apparently I missed one.”
To her surprise, Eravis belted a loud laugh. “Well, no harm done! I see you put away the extra stuffing.” His eyes fell to Heidel’s waist.
Heidel’s teeth ground together. Yes, her body packed more padding than the other princesses. But she liked it. It made her curves curvier, her stature sturdier. She considered herself a plow horse, strong and solid, so much more useful than her parade pony sisters.
But she had no stomach for teasing.
Worse yet, she had nothing to retort. Eravis was handsome, of normal height and weight. His smile was bright; his gray eyes the sort that made silly maidens wriggle: large and intense. His thick black hair was purposely rumpled, dangling a few wavy locks on his brow.
“Get out of here, Eravis,” Heidel growled. “I have to serve the cake.”
“Oh, is THAT what you call this frightful confection!” Eravis waved a hand at it, grinning. “Well, I’m sure it was beautiful before the earthquake.”
> Other Books by Anita Valle MAELYN: The Nine Princesses Book 1 (FREE TO DOWNLOAD) CORALINA: The Nine Princesses Book 2 BRIETTE: The Nine Princesses Book 4 (Coming Soon!) SINFUL CINDERELLA: Dark Fairy Tale Queen Series Author's Note: A tough love story for anyone who enjoys medieval romance or fantasy adventure. Meet Heidel - a feisty redhead and a smart princess. Known as a healer, she treats the ailing people of her kingdom.318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2015
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About the author
Anita Valle
53 books408 followersI think people like to read lists more than paragraphs, so I'll do my bio as such.
* Born and raised in Philly, home of the best cheesesteaks.
* Except for first grade, homeschooled all the way through.
* Two younger brothers and two younger sisters who are my very bestest friends.
* Married at 20, had three kids by 30. Developed the Nine Princesses during that period.
* Gave up the project several times in frustration and despair over the publishing industry.
* At 31, thanks to the internet and Kindle, finally published "Maelyn". So happy.
* Random interests: drawing, reading, music, chocolate, Nintendo, BBC movies, Colin Firth, Panera Bread.
* Born and raised in Philly, home of the best cheesesteaks.
* Except for first grade, homeschooled all the way through.
* Two younger brothers and two younger sisters who are my very bestest friends.
* Married at 20, had three kids by 30. Developed the Nine Princesses during that period.
* Gave up the project several times in frustration and despair over the publishing industry.
* At 31, thanks to the internet and Kindle, finally published "Maelyn". So happy.
* Random interests: drawing, reading, music, chocolate, Nintendo, BBC movies, Colin Firth, Panera Bread.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 15, 2016
Thanks to Anita Valle for giving me this book to review.
Heidel is not a normal princess as she would rather cook than curtsy and is not graceful or skinny. The princesses are preparing for the annual Fenwick’s feast festival but they are visited by the sarcastic Prince Eravis whose main hobby is irritating Heidel. When they both enter his father’s cake contest she has to try her hardest to beat him but will any of the princess’s notice that there is a far more deadly enemy after them.
Heidel is the enjoyable third novella of this sweet light fantasy series. It was predictable and had a nice love/hate relationship and has more underlying elements to the main plot of the series than previous books.
Heidel is my favourite princess so far as she is passionate about the things she wants to do like cooking and finding a cure for Red Fever, she is very protective of her sisters but she does have a temper. Prince Eravis is an enjoyable love interest, and I liked getting to know Briette and Ivy better.
I am looking forward to reading Briette’s book and I would recommend Heidel to fans of the first two books Maelyn and Coralina.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
Heidel is not a normal princess as she would rather cook than curtsy and is not graceful or skinny. The princesses are preparing for the annual Fenwick’s feast festival but they are visited by the sarcastic Prince Eravis whose main hobby is irritating Heidel. When they both enter his father’s cake contest she has to try her hardest to beat him but will any of the princess’s notice that there is a far more deadly enemy after them.
Heidel is the enjoyable third novella of this sweet light fantasy series. It was predictable and had a nice love/hate relationship and has more underlying elements to the main plot of the series than previous books.
Heidel is my favourite princess so far as she is passionate about the things she wants to do like cooking and finding a cure for Red Fever, she is very protective of her sisters but she does have a temper. Prince Eravis is an enjoyable love interest, and I liked getting to know Briette and Ivy better.
I am looking forward to reading Briette’s book and I would recommend Heidel to fans of the first two books Maelyn and Coralina.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
July 20, 2015
While I couldn't really stand Coralina, I absolutely loved Heidel! She was feisty and a bit tough at times but she truly did care for others around her.
Heidel is known as the Kitchen Princess and the Healing Princess. She's not your typical princess. She would rather be cooking in the kitchen then doing "princessy" things. She is a bit on the heavy side and can be sensitive about her weight. Especially when Eravis brings it to her attention. Eravis and Heidel have a love/hate relationship. They love to hate each other! But when little things start to happen, feelings and things change and then before you know it they are both scared and don't know how to move forward. But together they will be able to do what will make them happy... together. Throw in the fact that there is an enemy among them and is out to hurt the 9 princesses and you have an adventure that pulls you in and doesn't let you go.
All in all this is a cute start to the series. I will be probably continue on with the series because there are just too many questions that are left unanswered. Hopefully somewhere along the way Maelyn and Coralina will get their HEA too.
*I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest review*
Heidel is known as the Kitchen Princess and the Healing Princess. She's not your typical princess. She would rather be cooking in the kitchen then doing "princessy" things. She is a bit on the heavy side and can be sensitive about her weight. Especially when Eravis brings it to her attention. Eravis and Heidel have a love/hate relationship. They love to hate each other! But when little things start to happen, feelings and things change and then before you know it they are both scared and don't know how to move forward. But together they will be able to do what will make them happy... together. Throw in the fact that there is an enemy among them and is out to hurt the 9 princesses and you have an adventure that pulls you in and doesn't let you go.
All in all this is a cute start to the series. I will be probably continue on with the series because there are just too many questions that are left unanswered. Hopefully somewhere along the way Maelyn and Coralina will get their HEA too.
*I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest review*
June 11, 2017
Unlike the previous book in this series, I very much enjoyed Heidel! It's short, fun, and sweet, and it centers around a cake-baking contest, so what's not to like? Plus Heidel is officially my favorite princess of the nine, and the first one with whom I think I could be buddies.
One thing that I find cool about this series is the way in which Anita Valle focuses a lot on what could almost be described as slice-of-life stories while building a bigger plot in the background. It's different. (On the note of that bigger plot, though- we come tantalizingly close to answers at one point here, and aaaauuuuugggghhhhh why can't you tell me things, character-who's-a-spoiler?)
My main problems with this book were Eravis and his father. I don't mind the hate-to-love trope, and I could tell from the beginning that Eravis and Heidel were going to get together. However, I think Eravis should've been called out more for some of his actions. Competing with a girl to get her attention? Fine. Not the most effective route, but fine. Insulting a girl to get her attention? Not cool, dude. And speaking of people who should've been called out harder- spoiler>how the pumpernickel can Erlamon set the room of one of the princesses on fire and get away with it? They all knew it was him, but they don't really do anything. I know he's the monarch of another kingdom, but you can't just do stuff like that!
3.5 stars overall. Could've been four, if not for the problems I mentioned. Overall, I enjoyed it and look forward to the sequel.
One thing that I find cool about this series is the way in which Anita Valle focuses a lot on what could almost be described as slice-of-life stories while building a bigger plot in the background. It's different. (On the note of that bigger plot, though- we come tantalizingly close to answers at one point here, and aaaauuuuugggghhhhh why can't you tell me things, character-who's-a-spoiler?)
My main problems with this book were Eravis and his father. I don't mind the hate-to-love trope, and I could tell from the beginning that Eravis and Heidel were going to get together. However, I think Eravis should've been called out more for some of his actions. Competing with a girl to get her attention? Fine. Not the most effective route, but fine. Insulting a girl to get her attention? Not cool, dude. And speaking of people who should've been called out harder- spoiler>how the pumpernickel can Erlamon set the room of one of the princesses on fire and get away with it? They all knew it was him, but they don't really do anything. I know he's the monarch of another kingdom, but you can't just do stuff like that!
3.5 stars overall. Could've been four, if not for the problems I mentioned. Overall, I enjoyed it and look forward to the sequel.
March 2, 2017
While book two in this series defied the cliches, this one was so predictable I really did not enjoy it. I found myself rooting against a character I knew was going to change, but I just had to. I got to the end of the book with an general attitude of 'I could have told you that was going to happen.' Heidel's character aggravated me at times, because while her lack of self control is rather funny at times, it seemed a little unrealistic at her age to have that much of a lack of it.
I did not enjoy this much at all, and I'm not sure weather I will finish out the series when it is published.
I did not enjoy this much at all, and I'm not sure weather I will finish out the series when it is published.
June 23, 2015
This was certainly a cute addition to the series. I enjoyed the plot and the characters so much! I love getting to know all of these sisters one by one. It's even neater to see the underlying plot thicken so much! This novella dove into the mystery that was first presented in Maelyn. I'm even more excited for the next novella than I would have thought!!! Thanks, Mrs. Valle, for clean humor, sweet stories, and fantastic characters.
March 26, 2015
I love these short stories about very unusual princess and the country they run and the men they fall in love with. These are not your typical princesses and I just love it. Heidel has a temper and is feisty, loves to bake and is a great healer. Her story was fun to read and leads to the next one very well. Each story has been unique and put together well.
March 18, 2015
So seeing that this had finally been released pretty much made my entire day. Literally. It was the best. Haha.
Loved it! Worth the wait :)
Loved it! Worth the wait :)
September 4, 2017
Ok so far the best one, I even kind of liked it. This one felt more like a complete story and and ending I could live with rather than no ending at all. Still some juvenile silliness but nearly as irritating.
Heidel is the Princess of the Kitchens (so basically main Castle Cook). She has had a never ending rival with a neighboring Prince. Hurt feelings, competitive, jealousy and what does all that mean when they are grown up? Well...of course LOVE.
Heidel is the Princess of the Kitchens (so basically main Castle Cook). She has had a never ending rival with a neighboring Prince. Hurt feelings, competitive, jealousy and what does all that mean when they are grown up? Well...of course LOVE.
September 6, 2017
this was a great book. one that just has you smiling the entire time you are reading it.
September 18, 2018
Great book
November 12, 2018
Loved it!
Best book yet in the series. Looking forward to more Princess books to read. Highly recommend checking out this series for light fun reading.
Best book yet in the series. Looking forward to more Princess books to read. Highly recommend checking out this series for light fun reading.
April 18, 2019
I really enjoyed it until the romance got to be a little too much for me. Otherwise I would've given it another star.
August 1, 2022
This was such a beautiful book. So unexpected, so romantic. And has one of my favorite troupes, enemies to lovers. So glad I decided to read this (Randomly, but still!!)
February 20, 2017
Unrealistic and not well thought out.
Since the King and Queen died no one accepts the nine peasant girls they adopted as true princesses. Yet although the nobility scorn them they all come to the balls and banquets given by the peasant princesses. And the Kitchen Princess is somehow able to do all the cooking for those events by herself. She stuffed 19 peacocks (where do you find that many in such a tiny kingdom?) and made all the other delicacies by herself. In her spare time between growing or purchasing and then preparing all the food plus all kitchen clean up she is also the apothecary and healer.
There are apparently no bandits or thieves in this world because 9 princesses live alone with no servants or guards and despite having an unending supply of wealth they are never robbed. Also all the Kings and princes from other countries who visit do so alone without guards and are also never bothered. Everything is just so convenient instead of even slightly realistic.
This series is rather painful to read. I almost gave this book 2 stars but in the end it came through with an HFN ending. Book 2 did not have a happy ending but that was exactly what princess Coco deserved.
Since the King and Queen died no one accepts the nine peasant girls they adopted as true princesses. Yet although the nobility scorn them they all come to the balls and banquets given by the peasant princesses. And the Kitchen Princess is somehow able to do all the cooking for those events by herself. She stuffed 19 peacocks (where do you find that many in such a tiny kingdom?) and made all the other delicacies by herself. In her spare time between growing or purchasing and then preparing all the food plus all kitchen clean up she is also the apothecary and healer.
There are apparently no bandits or thieves in this world because 9 princesses live alone with no servants or guards and despite having an unending supply of wealth they are never robbed. Also all the Kings and princes from other countries who visit do so alone without guards and are also never bothered. Everything is just so convenient instead of even slightly realistic.
This series is rather painful to read. I almost gave this book 2 stars but in the end it came through with an HFN ending. Book 2 did not have a happy ending but that was exactly what princess Coco deserved.
August 2, 2015
Attention all fans of Shannon Hale’s Books of Bayern series and Meg Cabot’s Princess Diaries series! The Nine Princesses Novellas series is the next big fairytale to follow; with handsome princes, sisterly drama, and in Heidel’s case, some delicious cake. Each story in the series follows one of the Nine Princesses, whom each have been brought to live have come together. The characters are real, with real feelings, real battles, and a whole new side of being a Princess you never thought you’d see. Anita Valle, author of the Nine Princesses Novellas series, is a freelance author and artist in upstate New York. Her take on the princess story is fresh and holds the reader’s attention captive with her witty main character, Heidel, and her excellent plot layers that keep unfolding.
I actually received this book from the author through goodreads.com. I had forgotten I had entered to win one of the books and was surprised when it showed up at my front door before I had read the letter from the author. Although, this book took me a while to start (I had several other books to read for publishers and taking three graduate summer classes) I was able to read this book in about five hours. I literally couldn’t put it down. In fact, this is the first book since Harry Potter that I read into the wee hours of the morning. I loved every moment of this book, every struggle and frustration Heidel had, and was inspired by her passion for trying to care for others (especially her care toward her sister Ivy).
I was washed into the story from the beginning because of Heidel’s bossy yet determined personality. There were moments this book made me laugh aloud:
“I like my own company. A husband would be another chore on my list. I’d have to…talk to him.” ~ (Briette when asked by Heidel why she didn’t want to get married). (Page 105).
And cry:
“You never said goodbye,” Eravis said quietly. “Not whenever I left your kingdom. Now whenever you left mine. It always bothered me.” (Page. 125).
I loved this book so much that I went and purchased Maelyn and Coralina to add to my collection. I would recommend this book to any fairytale lover. For all the parents out there looking for a great, clean read for their preteen-teen, this book has a great message of self-respect, overcoming your own struggles, and finding a passion for serving others.
I actually received this book from the author through goodreads.com. I had forgotten I had entered to win one of the books and was surprised when it showed up at my front door before I had read the letter from the author. Although, this book took me a while to start (I had several other books to read for publishers and taking three graduate summer classes) I was able to read this book in about five hours. I literally couldn’t put it down. In fact, this is the first book since Harry Potter that I read into the wee hours of the morning. I loved every moment of this book, every struggle and frustration Heidel had, and was inspired by her passion for trying to care for others (especially her care toward her sister Ivy).
I was washed into the story from the beginning because of Heidel’s bossy yet determined personality. There were moments this book made me laugh aloud:
“I like my own company. A husband would be another chore on my list. I’d have to…talk to him.” ~ (Briette when asked by Heidel why she didn’t want to get married). (Page 105).
And cry:
“You never said goodbye,” Eravis said quietly. “Not whenever I left your kingdom. Now whenever you left mine. It always bothered me.” (Page. 125).
I loved this book so much that I went and purchased Maelyn and Coralina to add to my collection. I would recommend this book to any fairytale lover. For all the parents out there looking for a great, clean read for their preteen-teen, this book has a great message of self-respect, overcoming your own struggles, and finding a passion for serving others.
August 28, 2016
I absolutely loved this novel! I loved the first two in the series, Maelyn and Coralina, but this one is my favorite thus far. The story was original, with surprises and twists that I did not anticipate. The writing was beautifully descriptive. Heidel was spunky, strong, and beautiful; if she was real, I would definitely want to be her friend. Heidel's and Eravis' relationship was entertaining, and often frustrating, which made it realistic and kept me going back to read on in order to find out what would happen next between them. I don't want to give anything away, but I was completely happy and satisfied with the ending; however, I do look forward to learning what happens with many of the unanswered questions and loose ends from all three of the first novels. I loved learning more about the princesses, those whose stories we know already that are still unfolding with the continuation of each novel, and those we are waiting to learn. There were a few errors here and there, but I was so engrossed in the story that they didn't bother me. Anita Valle is an amazing author who should be more popular. Her work is insightful, her style captivating, and her characters unforgettable. Thank you Anita for sharing your talent with the world!
November 18, 2015
Heidel is the third installment of Anita Valle’s Nine Princesses series. If you haven’t read the first two, go do it now with the understanding that as good as Maelyn is, it gets even better! Maelyn is an accidental princess desperately trying to make it work and run her realm right. Coralina is the entitled princess who gets a taste of her own medicine. Heidel is just as unique. She’s happier in the kitchen than anywhere else, she doesn’t have the typical princess physique, and she’s got quite a temper! Much like Maelyn, she wonders if she truly belongs there as a princess and it doesn’t help matters that every time she turns around, there’s Prince Eravis giving her a hard time. I love that each princess is an individual, and we get to know some of the younger princesses a bit better as well. I’m very much looking forward to reading Briette. There is so much going on at the end of Heidel that I’m sitting on the edge of my chair waiting! The stories are really starting to weave together beautifully and if you’ve read Maelyn and Coralina, you will definitely love Heidel. Just go buy it already.
May 1, 2015
This was completely worth the wait!
We see the kingdom, and other princesses from the POV of Princess Heidel. She is known both as the Kitchen Princess, as she has taken over the position of the cook after the servants mysteriously leave, and the Healing Princess.
She is passionate about the her goal to find a cure for Red fever, while speading her time cooking up tasty feasts. Heidel is fiercely protective of Princess Ivy.
Heidel decides to enter the contest hosted by the Crazy King of Bauble. Unfortunately, her cakes are always a disaster. Whereas, Prince Eravis is as gorgeous as his cakes!
Can she face up to the challenge? But there are enemies (and theives) lurking around the corner waiting to pounce.
This novella magically combines the perfect romance, and suspense without being corny or predictable.
We see the kingdom, and other princesses from the POV of Princess Heidel. She is known both as the Kitchen Princess, as she has taken over the position of the cook after the servants mysteriously leave, and the Healing Princess.
She is passionate about the her goal to find a cure for Red fever, while speading her time cooking up tasty feasts. Heidel is fiercely protective of Princess Ivy.
Heidel decides to enter the contest hosted by the Crazy King of Bauble. Unfortunately, her cakes are always a disaster. Whereas, Prince Eravis is as gorgeous as his cakes!
Can she face up to the challenge? But there are enemies (and theives) lurking around the corner waiting to pounce.
This novella magically combines the perfect romance, and suspense without being corny or predictable.
March 16, 2015
I have a feeling that I'm going to tear through this today; I'm so excited!
I have a feeling that I can go ahead and rate it 5 starts right here, right now.
UPDATED
I finished this is in two days.
It is definitely my favorite in the series so far. I loved reading from Heidel's point of view, and she has taken the spot of my favorite princess. And as far as I'm concerned she is staying there.
I loved Heidel's rivalry with Eravis, and reading how about how their relationship changed.
In the third installment to the Nine Princess series there is poison, crazy (but loveable) kings, and lots of healthy (and unhealthy) competition.
I wish we didn't have to wait for the next one, as I'm about ready for it. That is, after I let Heidel sink in and re-read some sections.
I have a feeling that I can go ahead and rate it 5 starts right here, right now.
UPDATED
I finished this is in two days.
It is definitely my favorite in the series so far. I loved reading from Heidel's point of view, and she has taken the spot of my favorite princess. And as far as I'm concerned she is staying there.
I loved Heidel's rivalry with Eravis, and reading how about how their relationship changed.
In the third installment to the Nine Princess series there is poison, crazy (but loveable) kings, and lots of healthy (and unhealthy) competition.
I wish we didn't have to wait for the next one, as I'm about ready for it. That is, after I let Heidel sink in and re-read some sections.
April 12, 2016
I enjoyed Heidel! This book didn't keep my interest as much as the other 9 princess novellas. I think it was simply because I didn't relate to Heidel as much as I did to Maelyn or Coco. In saying that I enjoyed Hiedel's feisty personality and her willingness to try something she didn't consider herself good at. I enjoyed the other sisters involved in this books and look forward to getting to know them better through their own novellas
July 27, 2015
For sure the best of the three princess sister's stories, really made me have the desire to continue on with the princesses stories. Loved the banter between her and Eravis, and the ending when he is getting into the carriage was awesome.
Moral Note: Clean language, clean romance, some talk of someone being poisoned.
Moral Note: Clean language, clean romance, some talk of someone being poisoned.
February 9, 2016
The third princess novella was (so far) my favorite. I love Heidel. She is so spunky and impulsive...a little too impulsive at times, but that's what makes her a dynamic character. It's interesting to see a larger story unfold in the background of each sisters individual story. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
March 20, 2015
This was good, but I would have liked it if the romance wasn't quite so... heavy-handed? The spark between Eravis and Heidel was obvious from the first page, though I suppose that was the point. It just felt a little hackneyed. At least watching the two come together was entertaining.
June 6, 2015
This book about the Kitchen Princess was the best in the series so far. I love that this princess is tough as nail and is still a pretty princess. We get to see how different she is from the first two princess books. I am completely charmed by these books. I cannot wait till the next one comes out.
March 27, 2016
Great series
I am really enjoying this series. I like how the author centers on one princess in each book but also does a really good job of keeping the other sisters part of the story. Can't wait to read the next book.
I am really enjoying this series. I like how the author centers on one princess in each book but also does a really good job of keeping the other sisters part of the story. Can't wait to read the next book.
January 5, 2017
I enjoyed Heidel immensely. While it didn't have the same type of twist from Coralina, it definitely gave detail to Heidel's character and story. These are fun, short, and enjoyable stories for anyone looking for something light-hearted, but with a couple of twists.
July 8, 2015
I love this series. For my full review go to rebeccalaurenreviews.blogspot.co.uk
June 26, 2015
Enjoyable, easy read. Looking forward to the next one in this series :)
December 27, 2015
Better & better! Heidel is the third in the series and deals with the "Kitchen Princess". Danger increases as more mysteries- and romance- pop up.
June 7, 2016
2.5/5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews